Since 2012, our showcase had gone without a name. Each year we tried to think of something that would encompass or describe what it is we were bringing to Traverse City.

Out of nowhere, one word appeared: Ignite. You may be wondering why this is the The Word. Creativity, artistry, our dance community, and the cultivation of performance pieces, is our passion. What we have wanted from the first moment we decided to make this event happen, is to spark that passion in others, instill it, and share it.

So, without further ado, we give you Ignite, the first of its name, and our 4th annual belly dance showcase. Please join us, and let your heart be set alight.

“In this two hour workshop we will explore a variety of techniques for establishing accurate communication between a musician and dancer.

Heather Marie will guide the dancers through specific movement combinations while Ryan Paul Gates introduces rhythmic ideas for the musicians to accompany these movements.

We will introduce many cues for enhancing communication during an improvisational performance thereby creating a flawless presentation.
This workshop is open to all dancers and musicians looking to improve their performance and communication skills.”

From February 9th until the day of the workshop – $45/workshop or $80 for both

Two Workshops!

**WORKSHOP 1 (1:30-3:00): “Birds the Word”

Through repetition in learning a craft, you are blessed with the magic of muscle memory. With proper muscle memory you are then blessed with the beautiful art of the Flow! Quieting the mind and remaining present. Staying cool, calm, and collected creates freedom within the body. Allowing the Flow to take over and weave a colorful tapestry during Improvisation.

This workshop will present American Tribal Style® theory and concept, as well as working with both fast and slow movements. We will build up formations, begin non-verbal communication between you and your fellow dancers, and dig deep into the mechanics of Tribal Posture, which gives this dance and the dancer such a strong presence!! Whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, this workshop is for you…Providing growth, refinement, and confidence.

**WORKSHOP 2 (3:30-5:30): “Elemental Flowz”

Utilizing the ATS® vocabulary we focused on in the first class, along with temple-inspired poses fused with sharp articulation and isolations. We will build four combinations, creating a short choreography. Each combo will be driven by one of the four Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. We will transition through strong and grounded, to slow and soft, to sharp and quick, and finally to seamless and fluid movements. Dive in and embody a dance full of intention and creativity, strengthening our musicality and brushing up on technique. This class is designed for the beginner student as well as the advanced dancer.

***ABOUT LEILANI***

Leilani is based in the Detroit area and discovered her love of Middle Eastern Belly Dance more than ten years ago. She is a Fat Chance Belly Dance Sister Studio certified in GS, TT1 & TT2 within American Tribal Style® belly dance. Her unique style has various influential flavors from Flamenco, Rajasthani, African, Folkloric, and Gypsy in addition to Hip Hop/Pop & Lock and Liquid Dance from the 90s electronic scene.

A seasoned performer, Leilani can list opening for Beats Antique and performing in full stage productions, such as Club Belly Dance with the Belly Dance Super Stars, among her many accomplishments. Leilani on Facebook

Just wanted to say thanks to our wonderful group that turned out for our workshop at Detroit Raqs–inability to form words and excessive penis references aside–we seem to forget how much we enjoy teaching workshops and then get hit with a wonderful reminder like we had on the 19th.

Just a few things in the works…

We’ll be attending Tribal Revolution June 20-23, http://www.tribalrevolution.com, and taking several workshops to expand our horizons. It’s always amazing to observe ourselves after a convention like that because we’re overflowing with inspiration and new knowledge–ready to crank out a whole bunch of new material.

We’re also revisiting the idea of having some pieces that are more General Audience appropriate, so we can bust something out for last minute occasions where we’ll have to dance in *gasp* daylight or perform for an audience that may not “get” us like our Fambly does. Know what I mean, Vern?

On the menu as well is the plan to do monthly workshops locally. They will cover the basics of Tribal Fusion, with maybe a little sample of something weirder, just to keep ourselves entertained–hee! Also, due to a sudden opening in Domh’s schedule, we are now free to roam about the country and come to visit YOU!

So, please contact us for workshops or other endeavors–we would love to increase our involvement in the dance community and–bonus!–spend more time with our Fambly.